The Trax is a practical, usable, and competent subcompact utility with a practical price ticket and a contemporary really feel for on a regular basis driving.
At a look
- Sensible moist timing system for decrease upkeep
- Respectable output with out pushing limits or sacrificing effectivity
- Roomy inside
The 2026 Trax begins with a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with a moist timing system. Not like conventional belt or chain timing, moist timing circulates oil over the timing belt to considerably decrease friction losses, leading to a timing change interval of 150,000 miles (241,400 km). That’s vital because it mitigates the most typical issues with timing belts and chains. The engine is paired with a six-speed automated transmission, producing 137 horsepower (101 kW). The standard gearbox additionally avoids the droning typically related to constantly variable transmissions (CVTs).
That output is ample for a car of this measurement. It’s not fast or sporty, however it delivers an trustworthy, predictable driving expertise. There’s no drama or shock. Steering is easy, the suspension is compliant, and general experience high quality is snug. It feels precisely like a each day driver ought to.
Inside, the Trax continues that no-nonsense method. Controls are intuitive, and the infotainment system is straightforward to make use of. The eight-inch touchscreen is modest in measurement however consists of wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Among the plastics within the Trax’s inside are a bit low-end, however this isn’t a luxurious SUV or a flashy sports activities automobile. Large enhancements within the rear seat imply extra legroom in comparison with the earlier technology of the Trax – and extra legroom than most of its present rivals.
My greatest complaints in relation to subcompacts are headroom and rear legroom – neither are a priority for me within the Trax. The cargo area can be giant sufficient for most individuals’s each day wants and the occasional journey to the large field retailer. Like most subcompacts, in fact, this isn’t the car it’s best to take to the lumber yard or that property sale.
Aaron Turpen / New Atlas
Gas financial system within the 2026 Trax is fairly good. The EPA charges it at 30 mpg (7.8 L/100km) mixed in each trim stage. Its freeway score is 32 mpg (7.4 L/100km) and I used to be capable of simply beat that at 32.7 in my 41-mile (66-km) freeway loop check. That loop is at excessive altitude (over 6,200 ft / 1,890 m) at freeway speeds (65 mph / 105 km/h) in each instructions on the identical street. I feel most drivers ought to be capable to see good financial system out of the Trax more often than not.
The 2026 Chevrolet Trax is a superb little subcompact. Its inside is roomy, its cargo area is sensible, and its gas financial system is nice. Its price of possession is comparatively low due to that moist timing setup and fewer iffy geared transmission. With a beginning worth beneath US$25,000, it represents robust worth within the section.
Product Web page: 2026 Chevrolet Trax

